Classic Lean uses a binary Value-Add vs Non-Value-Add split. MapVS uses a three-way split (Valuable / Incidental / Waste) because reality is fuzzier than binary.
The categories
- Valuable: work the customer would pay for. Transforming the product, delivering the service.
- Incidental: work that doesn't add value but is necessary given current constraints. Compliance paperwork, safety checks, batch changeovers, some transport.
- Waste: work that adds no value AND could be eliminated with a change to the system. Rework, double-entry, waiting, unnecessary approvals.
Why the distinction matters
Incidental work is your first target for automation or process redesign. Waste is your first target for immediate elimination. Confusing them leads to teams beating themselves up trying to eliminate necessary compliance work, or ignoring genuine waste because it "has to happen".